At the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania, we believe in planning not just for the present, but for eternity. Estate planning is one of the most meaningful ways Catholics can express their love for family, faith, and the causes that have shaped their lives.
At the Catholic Foundation, we help individuals and families understand and embrace estate planning or planned giving through free workshops at various locations in the Diocese. During the next few months, members of the Catholic Foundation’s Professional Advisors Committee will be leading estate planning workshops at different parishes or schools in the Diocese of Allentown. (SEE LIST OF LOCATIONS BELOW.)
While an important step in planning for the future, many people avoid it out of fear of confronting uncomfortable topics like death, legal documents or thinking “I don’t have enough money for an estate plan” or “Everything just goes to my kids, right?”
“There are many misconceptions,” said Beth Beers, a Catholic estate planning attorney from Bath, PA. “Estate planning is not about how much you have, but about how you want to care for the people and causes you love after you are gone.”
“Even a small gift through your will or insurance policy can make a lasting difference,” Beers said.
Helping Individuals and Families With Catholic Estate Planning
Jim Ritter, a Catholic estate planning attorney from Emmaus, has led a number of sessions. Ritter answers questions about selecting power of attorney and executorships, preparing a will, understanding probate, maximizing tax benefits, and planning your Catholic funeral.
“These sessions are more than educational,” Ritter said. “They are spiritual and emotional touchpoints. They provide a pressure-free space to ask questions, learn the truth, and confidently prepare for the future.”
One of the most powerful aspects of our Estate Planning Sessions is watching fears melt away. People often walk in, unsure and hesitant. But they leave informed, relieved, and empowered. There is no pressure to make a decision. These sessions are simply about providing information that is accurate, local, and grounded in Catholic values and delivered compassionately by experts who care.
Professional Advisors Helps Donors Understand the Importance of Preparation
The Catholic Foundation has organized a Professional Advisors Committee made up of Catholic attorneys, financial planners, investment professionals and accountants. These advisors counsel clients during various life stages and guide them in making important decisions regarding income, assets, tax benefits from charitable giving, and long-term planning.
So far, the Catholic Foundation’s Professional Advisors Committee include:
- Tim Duckworth, Jr. an estate planning attorney in Bethlehem
- Bill Kirwan, an accountant and attorney in Pottsville
- Mike Matejcek, a financial planner in Allentown
- Eugene Orlando, an estate planning attorney in Reading
- Beth Beers, an estate planning attorney in Bath.
- Jim Ritter, an estate planning attorney in Emmaus
The committee would like to expand its membership to include all Catholic advisors in Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill counties. Any advisor interested in joining may contact the Catholic Foundation.
“We are blessed to have experienced Catholic professionals who know their field of expertise and love their Catholic faith,” said Pete Waldron, president of the Catholic Foundation. “They help people realize the positive impact planning can have on yourself, your family, and the Catholic causes you love.”
How Can You Find Out More About Planned Giving With the Catholic Foundation?
PLANNED GIVING OPTIONS
- Gift in a will
- Beneficiary of an insurance policy
- Beneficiary of an investment account
- IRA qualified charitable distribution
- Memorial gift included in an obituary
- Beneficiary of an IRA or 401K account
- Beneficiary of Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
With only 30 percent of individuals having a will or a Catholic estate plan, the work done by professional advisors is needed. A Catholic estate plan can be created easily, revised when needed, and provides priceless peace of mind. It tells your loved ones how to honor your Catholic values — from your funeral plans to your charitable gifts.
This is not just about paperwork. It is about your legacy of faith. It is about ensuring that the Catholic causes you championed during your life can continue serving others after you are gone.
“We feel grateful and humbled to be part of this deeply personal journey with our Catholic partners and donors,” Waldron said.
Interested in attending or hosting an Estate Planning Workshop? Do you want to learn more about the impact endowment funds have on the future of our Catholic faith? Email us at [email protected].
FREE SEMINARS:
Getting Your Financial & Legal Affairs in Order
Legal and financial planning experts take participants through a one-hour program discussing executors, Power of Attorney & Healthcare Agents, wills, beneficiaries, forever giving and Catholic funeral planning.
Please email [email protected] for more information.
Join us for one of our
FREE Estate Planning Seminars!
Legal and financial planning experts take participants through a one-hour program discussing executors, Power of Attorney & Healthcare Agents, wills, beneficiaries, forever giving and Catholic funeral planning.
Please email [email protected] for more information.
Join us for one of our
FREE Estate Planning Seminars!
Preparing for Forever
Many people benefit from having a personal and legal organizer to record all of the important personal in one convenient place. Family members will thank you for providing all the details they need to make your transition to heaven so much easier. Why leave anything to chance?
Preparing for Forever is the planner you need to record all your personal information in one convenient place. It is an essential tool for modern will-making that will help you provide lasting support to the Catholic causes they care about. With this guide, investing in forever has never been simpler.
